It's never too early to start planning life post graduation.
However, it's easy for it to be too late to start planning.
Waiting until May 10 to send out applications will likely leave students manning local drive-thru windows, if they're lucky. Underclassmen should take note of this and continually focus on what comes next.
A college degree is no longer a golden ticket to landing a dream job on the first or second try. The National Association of Colleges and Employers released a study in March 2009 that said employers expect to hire 22 percent fewer new graduates. Unemployment rates in the United States were at 8.1 percent in February, the most recent data available, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In February 2008 the rate was 4.8 percent.
Attending graduate school is a common and viable option as well, however, it should not be a backup to a job. Students should decide as early as possible if they want to pursue graduate school. Deadlines to apply for school vary by both school and by the program applied to. Scholarships and grants are also available but must be applied for early.
Other alternatives that require extensive planning are joining service organizations like the Peace Corps and Americorps.
Peace Corps does not have an application deadline, but students should apply nine to 12 months before they want to begin volunteering, according to the Web site.
Americorps is similar to Peace Corps but only does work within the U.S. and has shorter lengths of required service time.
Times are tough, but students have options. Volunteer and service work provide an experience unlike what most students get in college. Although some students might go on alternative spring or fall breaks, service work gives them the opportunity to become immersed in a new culture and truly make a difference.
Jobs are still out there, too, although they're harder to find. Whether students hope to get a job, continue schooling or work in a different country the same thing is required: planning.
Plan ahead.
Start planning now and don't stop.
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